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Our theme this year is LOVE. It’s a topic that sparks hope and celebration. But when we look around, we see a world reeling because love is absent. The result is misunderstanding, anger, rage and murder. And that is just on the national scene. Add to that the element of world-wide terrorism, fueled by the spirit of anti-Christ. Wave after wave of horror and carnage. The temptation is to wade in with our opinions and join the debate. But do more arguments really help? What is the proper Christian response?First, we mourn. God’s Spirit is certainly grieved and ours should be also. What we see in the news is not His will. He is not the author of confusion and conflict, but of peace.Next, we humble ourselves and pray. Pray for healing and unity. Pray for the families of victims. Pray for peace. Most of all, pray for conversions— true life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ.Finally, quiet your heart and listen. Think before you blog, tweet or post a rant. Listen to those with a different world view. We may not agree, but we may begin to understand — and learn how to pray more effectively.The message of Christ is love and redemption. It turned the world upside down two thousand years ago. It still has the power to change hearts and lives — here and around the world.

Next Steps...I will choose to love those who differ from me, including those who consider me an enemy.